Kurt Elling (born November 2, 1967) is an American jazz vocalist, composer, lyricist and vocalese performer. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Rockford,
Elling first became interested in music through his father, who was
Kapellmeister at a Lutheran church. Growing up, Elling sang in choirs
and played various musical instruments, but was not exposed to jazz
until he attended Gustavus Adolphus College. Elling enrolled in graduate school at the University of Chicago Divinity School, but left school one credit short of a master's degree to pursue a career as a jazz vocalist.
Elling began to perform around Chicago, scat singing and improvising his own lyrics. He recorded a demo in the early 1990s and was signed by Blue Note Records, releasing a total of six albums with the label. He has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards, winning Best Vocal Jazz Album for Dedicated to You (2009) on the Concord Jazz label. Elling often leads the Down Beat
critics poll, and he was awarded the Prix Billie Holiday from the
Académie du Jazz. Since 1995, Elling has collaborated with pianist,
composer, and arranger Laurence Hobgood, leading a quartet that regularly tours the world.
While living in Chicago in 1995, Elling decided he was ready to
record. He had met pianist Laurence Hobgood through Ed Petersen, who
played the Green Mill on Monday nights. Elling convinced Hobgood that he
was ready to go into the studio, and they came out with nine solid
songs. Following the advice of pianist Fred Simon, the cassette
recording was sent to Bill Traut, a manager in Los Angeles, who
eventually gave it to Bruce Lundvall of Blue Note Records.
Blue Note (1995–2005)
Two months later, Elling was signed to Blue Note, and the songs on the demo became the Grammy nominated label debut, Close your Eyes (1995). The album features Edward Petersen and Von Freeman on tenor saxophone, Dave Onderdonk on guitar, Laurence Hobgood on piano, Eric Hochberg and Rob Amster on acoustic bass, and Paul Wertico on drums.
Close Your Eyes was followed several years later by The Messenger (1997), with Elling releasing a total of six albums for the Blue Note label.
In 1999, Elling became a National Trustee for the National Academy of
Recording Arts and Sciences, and in 2003, he was elected Vice Chair and
served two terms.
Concord (2006–present)
In 2006, Elling performed on the television program Legends of Jazz, in the episode "The Jazz Singers". Elling sang "She's Funny That Way" and performed a duet with Al Jarreau on "Take Five". The recording was released on CD and DVD. In August of the same year, Elling signed a new record contract with Concord Jazz, and his first album with the label, Nightmoves, was released in 2007.
The follow-up, Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman (2009), is a tribute to the 1963 recording John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, widely recognized as one of the all-time finest jazz vocal albums. The album arose out of a 2005 concert commissioned by the Chicago Jazz Festival,
showcasing the Coltrane-Hartman material. Later, Elling and pianist
Laurence Hobgood rearranged the music, culminating in a performance in
the Allen Room at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York. The concert was recorded in January 2009 and the album was released in June.
Elling is a baritone with a four-octave range, and a writer and performer of vocalese, the art of writing and performing words over improvised jazz solos. In 2007 and 2012, Circumstantial Productions published two editions of Lyrics: Kurt Elling, collections of Elling's vocalese lyrics, edited by Richard Connolly.
Collaborators
Elling has performed and recorded with David Amram, Bob Belden, Joanne Brackeen, Oscar Brown, Jr., Billy Corgan, Orbert Davis, George Freeman, Buddy Guy, Jon Hendricks, Charlie Hunter, Randy Bachman, Bob Mintzer, Rex Richardson, and Bob Sheppard.
As of 2012, Elling's band included musical director Laurence Hobgood
on piano, John McLean on guitar, Clark Sommers on bass, and drummer Kendrick Scott.
“The postman wants an autograph. The cab driver wants a picture. The waitress wants a handshake. Everyone wants a piece of you.” John Lennon
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Success 2013: Kurt Elling, American jazz vocalist, composer, lyricist and vocalese performer. He has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards, winning Best Vocal Jazz Album for Dedicated to You (2009)
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Marius Copil, Romanian tennis player
Marius Copil (born October 17, 1990) is a Romanian tennis player playing on the ATP Challenger Tour and a member of the Romanian Davis Cup team.
ATP Challenger Tour finals
Singles: 4 (2–2)
Career highlights
2009
In September 2009 he received wild card access to the main draw of 2009 BCR Open Romania, where he defeated his fellow countryman Victor Crivoi in the first round, but he lost to Spaniard Rubén Ramírez Hidalgo in the second round.2010
In May 2010, Marius reached his first ATP Challenger Tour final at the Trofeo Paolo Corazzi as a qualifier. On his route to the final he won in three sets against Australian Bernard Tomic in the semifinals but eventually lost the final to German Denis Gremelmayr.2011
The year 2011 started very good for Marius. He reached his second Challenger final at the Tretorn Serie+ event in Kazan, Russia. In the final, he won against 4th seeded German, Andreas Beck, in straight sets.2012
Copil beat World No. 13 Marin Čilić in the first round at the China Open in Beijing.ATP Challenger Tour finals
Singles: 4 (2–2)
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Success 2013: Adrian Ungur, Romanian tennis player
Adrian Ungur (born January 25, 1985) is a Romanian tennis player who mainly competes on the ATP Challenger Tour. He is a member of the Romania Davis Cup Team and is coached by Fabrizio Fanucci. In June 2012, Ungur reached his career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 79. His most notable result was a four set victory over David Nalbandian in the first round of the 2012 French Open.
Following some good results in Challenger events, Adrian was entered into the main draw at the 2012 French Open, his first main draw appearance at Grand Slam level. He beat former world number three David Nalbandian in the first round, before being defeated in four sets by Roger Federer in the second round – although he saved two match points in winning the third set.
Following some good results in Challenger events, Adrian was entered into the main draw at the 2012 French Open, his first main draw appearance at Grand Slam level. He beat former world number three David Nalbandian in the first round, before being defeated in four sets by Roger Federer in the second round – although he saved two match points in winning the third set.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Success 2013: Victor Crivoi, Romanian tennis player
Victor Crivoi (born May 25, 1982) is a Romanian tennis player who lives in Bucharest. In 2005, he played in the International Tennis Federation's
Professional Circuit and won seven titles.
As a result, he was named the ITF's "Player Of The Year" for 2005. At the end of 2005, he was ranked #269 by the ATP, up from #488 at the year's start. His career high ranking is #75, achieved on August 17, 2009.
In the 2009 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, as a qualifier, he beat 14th seed James Blake 7-5, 6-3 in the first round; he then lost to Robin Söderling.
He qualified for the 2009 French Open. He lost to Gaël Monfils in the second round.
Born: May 25, 1982 (age 31), Romania
As a result, he was named the ITF's "Player Of The Year" for 2005. At the end of 2005, he was ranked #269 by the ATP, up from #488 at the year's start. His career high ranking is #75, achieved on August 17, 2009.
In the 2009 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, as a qualifier, he beat 14th seed James Blake 7-5, 6-3 in the first round; he then lost to Robin Söderling.
He qualified for the 2009 French Open. He lost to Gaël Monfils in the second round.
Born: May 25, 1982 (age 31), Romania
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 75 kg
Turned pro: 2003
Friday, June 14, 2013
Success 2013: Dumitru Hărădău, former Romanian tennis player. He reached the Davis Cup final in 1972
Dumitru Hărădău (born December 2, 1951) is a former Romanian tennis player. His highest ATP ranking was number 322 achieved on July 2, 1977.
CV Dumitru Haradau
Numele si prenumele: Haradau Dumitru
Data si locul nasterii: 02.12.1951, Hunedoara
Domiciliul stabil: Bucuresti
Functia actuala: Director General FRT
Implicarea in activitatea Federatiei a adus o contributie majora de aprox. 40% - 50% la bugetul total al institutiei.
Din 2005 Director General Federatia Romana de Tenis
Din 1996 - 2001, 2005 Vicepresedinte Federatia Romana de Tenis
Studii: Institutul de Educatie Fizica si Sport, Bucuresti, Specializare tenis
Activitate sportiva:
Titluri obtinute: 1972 - 1984 Component al echipei de Cupa Davis a Romaniei; Finala si semifinala de Cupa Davis si calificarea de 4 ori in sferturile Cupei Davis;
Vicecampion Universitar;
de 2 ori locul 3 la simplu in Europa;
5 titluri de Campion Balcanic;
Locul II in lume si III in Europa, clasament ITF, la peste 35 ani
1973 - 1977 Campion National al Romaniei
1970 - 1984 Participare ca sportiv la turnee internationale de tenis
Antrenor (inceputuri la varsta de 29 ani): primul jucator antrenat - Adrian Marcu
- antrenarea celor mai buni jucatori si jucatoare de tenis din Romania si din Europa
- cea mai buna clasare a unui jucator antrenat, Horst Skoff - 18 ATP;
- cea mai buna clasare a unei jucatoare antrenata, Raluca Sandu - 90 WTA (19 ani).
Activitate:
din 1996 - prezent Director BCR Open Romania - Turneu ATP; Director Turneu ATP, Challenger Brasov; Membru ATP
din 2003 - prezent Organizatorul meciurilor de Cupa Davis ale echipei Romaniei la tenis;
din 2003 - prezent Participarea la toate actiunile (congrese, consfatuiri, intalniri) ale Federatiei Internationale de Tenis sau Tenis Europe.
CV Dumitru Haradau
Numele si prenumele: Haradau Dumitru
Data si locul nasterii: 02.12.1951, Hunedoara
Domiciliul stabil: Bucuresti
Functia actuala: Director General FRT
Implicarea in activitatea Federatiei a adus o contributie majora de aprox. 40% - 50% la bugetul total al institutiei.
Din 2005 Director General Federatia Romana de Tenis
Din 1996 - 2001, 2005 Vicepresedinte Federatia Romana de Tenis
Studii: Institutul de Educatie Fizica si Sport, Bucuresti, Specializare tenis
Activitate sportiva:
Titluri obtinute: 1972 - 1984 Component al echipei de Cupa Davis a Romaniei; Finala si semifinala de Cupa Davis si calificarea de 4 ori in sferturile Cupei Davis;
Vicecampion Universitar;
de 2 ori locul 3 la simplu in Europa;
5 titluri de Campion Balcanic;
Locul II in lume si III in Europa, clasament ITF, la peste 35 ani
1973 - 1977 Campion National al Romaniei
1970 - 1984 Participare ca sportiv la turnee internationale de tenis
Antrenor (inceputuri la varsta de 29 ani): primul jucator antrenat - Adrian Marcu
- antrenarea celor mai buni jucatori si jucatoare de tenis din Romania si din Europa
- cea mai buna clasare a unui jucator antrenat, Horst Skoff - 18 ATP;
- cea mai buna clasare a unei jucatoare antrenata, Raluca Sandu - 90 WTA (19 ani).
Activitate:
din 1996 - prezent Director BCR Open Romania - Turneu ATP; Director Turneu ATP, Challenger Brasov; Membru ATP
din 2003 - prezent Organizatorul meciurilor de Cupa Davis ale echipei Romaniei la tenis;
din 2003 - prezent Participarea la toate actiunile (congrese, consfatuiri, intalniri) ale Federatiei Internationale de Tenis sau Tenis Europe.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Success 2013: Hristo Stoichkov, nicknamed 'El Pistolero'. He was part of Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' and helped Barcelona to one of the most successful eras of the club, winning the Primera Division four years in a row
Hristo Stoichkov Stoichkov (Bulgarian: Христо Стоичков Стоичков), sometimes Stoitchkov; born 8 February 1966 in Plovdiv) is a retired Bulgarian footballer.
He is regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation and the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. Nicknamed The Dagger (Камата), The Dog (Кучето), The Modern Left (Модерния ляв).
At Barcelona he earned the Spanish nickname 'El Pistolero' which translates to 'the gunslinger'. He was a member of the Bulgaria national team that finished fourth at the 1994 World Cup, of which he was the top scorer with 6 goals.
Apart from his footballing talent, he was notable for his on-pitch temper. His awards include the European Golden Boot, the Ballon d'Or, the World Cup Golden Boot and the World Cup Bronze Ball.
Stoichkov began his career in his hometown, moving to Hebros in 1984. The next year he went to CSKA Sofia. There, he was involved in a fight during the final of the 1985 Bulgarian Cup which resulted in an original lifelong ban, which was eventually reduced to a month suspension.
After he was brought back to football, he managed to win the European Golden Boot with CSKA by scoring 38 goals in 30 games. He then moved on to FC Barcelona, where he was part of Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team', Stoichkov helped Barcelona to one of the most successful eras of the club, winning the Primera Division four years in a row between 1991 and 1994 and the European Cup after defeating Sampdoria in 1992. During his stay in Barcelona, he had become an idol for the club's fans, and was Barça's most popular player at the time, having earned a place in the supporters' hearts much like Johan Neeskens and Diego Maradona in the past. In Barcelona Stoichkov played in tandem with Romário.
In his first season with the club Stoichkov was suspended for two months for stomping on a referee's foot, but he still netted 14 league goals and six more in the Cup Winners' Cup. Stoichkov then had short spells with Parma, Al-Nassr, and finally finishing his career in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol and the United States with the Chicago Fire and D.C. United.
Stoichkov played as a left winger who was known for his explosive acceleration and speed dribbling, and for taking unpredictable shots on goal. He was also notable at taking free kicks and penalties as well as being among the best crossers in the world at his prime. He gained infamy because of his aggressive temper on the pitch.
He could often be seen arguing with the referee, or with his opponents. In 2006, he was sued by a former American University college student whose leg he broke in a violent tackle during a match against D.C. United in 2003.
The case was settled out of court in 2007 for undisclosed financial terms. The student's coach called Stoichkov's challenge "criminal". Ray Hudson, who coached D.C. United for whom Stoichkov played at the time, called it a "rash tackle". Following an investigation by MLS, Stoichkov was suspended two games and fined $2,000.
Honours at Barcelona
He is regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation and the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. Nicknamed The Dagger (Камата), The Dog (Кучето), The Modern Left (Модерния ляв).
At Barcelona he earned the Spanish nickname 'El Pistolero' which translates to 'the gunslinger'. He was a member of the Bulgaria national team that finished fourth at the 1994 World Cup, of which he was the top scorer with 6 goals.
Apart from his footballing talent, he was notable for his on-pitch temper. His awards include the European Golden Boot, the Ballon d'Or, the World Cup Golden Boot and the World Cup Bronze Ball.
Stoichkov began his career in his hometown, moving to Hebros in 1984. The next year he went to CSKA Sofia. There, he was involved in a fight during the final of the 1985 Bulgarian Cup which resulted in an original lifelong ban, which was eventually reduced to a month suspension.
After he was brought back to football, he managed to win the European Golden Boot with CSKA by scoring 38 goals in 30 games. He then moved on to FC Barcelona, where he was part of Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team', Stoichkov helped Barcelona to one of the most successful eras of the club, winning the Primera Division four years in a row between 1991 and 1994 and the European Cup after defeating Sampdoria in 1992. During his stay in Barcelona, he had become an idol for the club's fans, and was Barça's most popular player at the time, having earned a place in the supporters' hearts much like Johan Neeskens and Diego Maradona in the past. In Barcelona Stoichkov played in tandem with Romário.
In his first season with the club Stoichkov was suspended for two months for stomping on a referee's foot, but he still netted 14 league goals and six more in the Cup Winners' Cup. Stoichkov then had short spells with Parma, Al-Nassr, and finally finishing his career in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol and the United States with the Chicago Fire and D.C. United.
Stoichkov played as a left winger who was known for his explosive acceleration and speed dribbling, and for taking unpredictable shots on goal. He was also notable at taking free kicks and penalties as well as being among the best crossers in the world at his prime. He gained infamy because of his aggressive temper on the pitch.
He could often be seen arguing with the referee, or with his opponents. In 2006, he was sued by a former American University college student whose leg he broke in a violent tackle during a match against D.C. United in 2003.
The case was settled out of court in 2007 for undisclosed financial terms. The student's coach called Stoichkov's challenge "criminal". Ray Hudson, who coached D.C. United for whom Stoichkov played at the time, called it a "rash tackle". Following an investigation by MLS, Stoichkov was suspended two games and fined $2,000.
Honours at Barcelona
- European Cup (now called: Champions League): 1
- Copa del Rey: 1
Success 2013: Hristo Stoichkov, retired Bulgarian footballer that was awarded the World Cup Golden Boot (1994). He retired from internationals in 1999 with 37 goals in 83 appearances
Hristo Stoichkov Stoichkov, sometimes Stoitchkov; born 8 February 1966 in Plovdiv) is a retired Bulgarian footballer. He is regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation and the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. Nicknamed The Dagger (Камата), The Dog (Кучето), The Modern Left
(Модерния ляв). At Barcelona he earned the Spanish nickname 'El
Pistolero' which translates to 'the gunslinger'. He was a member of the Bulgaria national team that finished fourth at the 1994 World Cup,
of which he was the top scorer with 6 goals. Apart from his footballing
talent, he was notable for his on-pitch temper. His awards include the European Golden Boot, the Ballon d'Or, the World Cup Golden Boot and the World Cup Bronze Ball.
At the 1994 World Cup, Stoichkov was awarded the World Cup Golden Boot as the joint top goal scorer of the tournament (with Oleg Salenko), with six goals, as well as earning the Bronze Ball award. He led Bulgaria past Germany to the semi-finals, where they lost 2–1 to Italy. They subsequently lost the third place play-off to Sweden, 4–0.
Bulgaria finished second in the qualifying group for Euro 1996 after the first place was taken by the eventual winners, Germany. Stoichkov scored 10 goals for his team during the qualifiers, as Bulgaria qualified as one of the best 6 runners-up. In the first match against Germany in Sofia, Bulgaria were 2–0 down at half-time. Stoichkov equalized with two goals from penalties and Emil Kostadinov also scored for a 3–2 win. Bulgaria lost the second match in Germany 3–1.
During the finals, Bulgaria lost 3–1 in the decisive group match against a very strong France side (the future World Champions); at the same time, in the other match, Spain won 2–1 late on against Romania and so the Bulgarians went out. In that tournament, Stoichkov scored 3 goals in 3 matches, and another goal against Spain was disallowed for offside, though action replays show that he was actually on-side. Stoitchkov was the only player to score from a free kick (against France) in this tournament.
He was also part of the squad that was eliminated in the first round of the 1998 World Cup. Bulgaria was not nearly as strong as in previous years, earning only one point in a 0–0 draw against Paraguay and scoring only one goal through Kostadinov in a 6–1 defeat by Spain in the so-called "Group of Death".
Stoichkov retired from internationals in 1999 with 37 goals in 83 appearances. Subsequently he was the coach of the Bulgarian national team from 2004 to April 2007.
At the 1994 World Cup, Stoichkov was awarded the World Cup Golden Boot as the joint top goal scorer of the tournament (with Oleg Salenko), with six goals, as well as earning the Bronze Ball award. He led Bulgaria past Germany to the semi-finals, where they lost 2–1 to Italy. They subsequently lost the third place play-off to Sweden, 4–0.
Bulgaria finished second in the qualifying group for Euro 1996 after the first place was taken by the eventual winners, Germany. Stoichkov scored 10 goals for his team during the qualifiers, as Bulgaria qualified as one of the best 6 runners-up. In the first match against Germany in Sofia, Bulgaria were 2–0 down at half-time. Stoichkov equalized with two goals from penalties and Emil Kostadinov also scored for a 3–2 win. Bulgaria lost the second match in Germany 3–1.
During the finals, Bulgaria lost 3–1 in the decisive group match against a very strong France side (the future World Champions); at the same time, in the other match, Spain won 2–1 late on against Romania and so the Bulgarians went out. In that tournament, Stoichkov scored 3 goals in 3 matches, and another goal against Spain was disallowed for offside, though action replays show that he was actually on-side. Stoitchkov was the only player to score from a free kick (against France) in this tournament.
He was also part of the squad that was eliminated in the first round of the 1998 World Cup. Bulgaria was not nearly as strong as in previous years, earning only one point in a 0–0 draw against Paraguay and scoring only one goal through Kostadinov in a 6–1 defeat by Spain in the so-called "Group of Death".
Stoichkov retired from internationals in 1999 with 37 goals in 83 appearances. Subsequently he was the coach of the Bulgarian national team from 2004 to April 2007.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)